Turkey: CFWIJ Condemns Lawsuit Against Journalist Ayşe Kara For Her Journalistic Activities
Location: Turkey, Diyarbakir
Date: June 3, 2021Available in: 🇹🇷 Türkçe
A lawsuit was filed against journalist Ayşe Kara over her articles and her membership in the Free Journalists' Association (ÖGC). If convicted, Ayşe will be sentenced to prison for up to 15 years. She was allegedly accused of being affiliated with a terrorist organisation. The Coalition For Women In Journalism condemns the lawsuit against the journalist with unfair accusations. We demand Ayşe’s immediate acquittal.
A lawsuit was filed against journalist Ayşe Kara, who was detained in June 2020 as part of the investigation into the activities of the Democratic Society Congress (DTK). She was released conditionally on the charge of being a member of a terrorist organisation. The indictment within the scope of the investigation was accepted by the Diyarbakır 5th High Criminal Court.
In the indictment, allegedly the journalist was a member of the Free Women's Congress (KJA) and the Free Journalists' Association, and that she was working within the DTK. The march of the Peace and Democracy Party (BDP) in Mardin she followed in 2016 was also cited as a criminal element.
The indictment also includes the statement of the journalist regarding the alleged accusations. Ayşe stated that she is not a member of the DTK, but as a journalist, she participated in the press events and congresses that had previously organized. She admitted her membership of ÖGC in her defence but she said she has no links with the KJA. The journalist is facing up to 15 years in prison if convicted.
Speaking to CFWIJ about the lawsuit against Ayşe Kara, Mesopotamia Women Journalists Platform (MGKP) Spokesperson Ayşe Güney said, “The news made by our colleague is shown as if it is a criminal element. This is a phenomenon that shows the point Turkey has reached in terms of press freedom.” “Because in Turkey, it has become impossible for the press to report on any event,” she followed.
“Especially for our female colleagues, Turkey has become more dilapidated. We are unable to do our job. Now, journalism directed by the government. This is the reason that they are aiming to silence the free press by methods such as detention, arrest, heavy penalties, exile and expulsion from the country,” she quoted.
The Coalition For Women In Journalism condemns Turkey's judiciary through the intimidation exerted against journalists. We demand a non-prosecution decision about the case against Ayşe Kara, and we believe the journalist must be acquitted. No journalist can be tried because of their journalistic coverage. Journalists are obliged to report what happened and have the freedom to use any platform. We demand immediate abandonment of the pressure exercised against journalists from Turkey and respect press freedom. Journalists cannot be silenced.
The Coalition For Women In Journalism closely monitors the incidents in Turkey with great concern. Since March 8, Women's Day, police violence against women journalists increasingly continues in the country. As the coalition, we urge the Turkish state to provide a free environment for journalists. Following the news is our most fundamental democratic right to report. We demand the immediate release of our detained colleagues. Journalism is not a crime. Journalism cannot be prevented.
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